Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health across Sub-Saharan Africa
Artificial intelligence (AI) is concerned with the use of smart machines to perform tasks typically ascribed to human intelligence, and includes the automation of decision-making, problem-solving, and learning activities. A United States Agency for International Development (USAID) report highlights four areas where artificial intelligence might play an active role in healthcare, namely, population health; individual health; health systems; pharmaceuticals and medical technology
Regulatory frameworks in Africa
According to the 2020 global Government AI Readiness Index only 17 of the 55 African Union member states had enacted 52 “comprehensive data protection and privacy legislation”. The top five African countries in the 2020 global Government AI Readiness Index are Mauritius (45th in the world), South Africa (59th), Seychelles (68th), Kenya (71st), and Rwanda (87th). There is also notable government progress toward AI readiness in Tunisia and Egypt.
AU recommendation on Artificial Intelligence
A survey conducted by the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) to ascertain emerging technologies of potential economic importance identified and prioritized ten emerging technologies as priority areas of relevance for Africa’s socio-economic development, including artificial intelligence.
Regulatory frameworks for the development and use of artificial intelligence are contained in the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030). In 2019, African ministers for Communication, and Information and Communication Technologies (CICTS) adopted the 2019 Sharm el Sheikh declaration, which focuses on the African digital transformation strategy. Member States agreed to an African Common Position to adopt AI which legitimizes the Malabo Convention on cyber-security and recognizes personal data protection.
On artificial intelligence, the ministers recommended the establishment of a working group to study:
- The creation of a common African stance on Artificial Intelligence (AI),
- The development of an Africa wide capacity building framework
- Establishment of an AI think tank to assess and recommend projects to collaborate on in line with Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Countries and main actors
Scientists and innovators are currently exploring AI tools and applications for the diagnosis and treatment of different kinds of cancer, as well as to maximize the impact of interventions aimed at controlling malaria.
PapsAI
In Uganda, scientists developed the PapsAI platform that is powered by AI technology to provide affordable diagnostic 3 4 tools for cervical cancer, thereby reducing barriers to lifesaving healthcare. WHO Africa identified the founder of PapsAI as one of Africa’s prominent health innovators.
Insightiv
Technologies The Rwandan startup uses AI to help increase access to radiology services in the country by enabling the remote analysis of medical images. The startup won the inaugural HealthTech Hub Africa competition supported by the Novartis Foundation.
minoHealth AI Labs
The Ghanaian startup uses AI for the automated diagnosis, forecasts and prognosis of a number of diseases. Its research lab studies the application of AI technology in the treatment of diseases. The Founder and CEO is the Lead for the Topic Group on Artificial Intelligence for Radiology under the United Nations International Telecommunication Union and WHO Focus Group on AI for Health.
Zzapp malaria
The Jerusalem-based company leverages AI to identify malaria transmission hotspots by analysing satellite images and topographical maps. In doing so, it helps prioritise areas for the execution of strategies to control and eliminate malaria.
